Brisbane to Scenic Rim, Toowoomba & Crows Nest Adventure
Discover Queensland's Country Charm by Motorhome
Looking for a relaxing motorhome journey through rolling hills, country towns, stunning lookouts and local food experiences?
This Scenic Rim and Darling Downs itinerary is one of South East Queensland's hidden gems. Travelling through the Scenic Rim, up the Great Dividing Range to Toowoomba and on to Crows Nest, you'll experience spectacular scenery, friendly country hospitality and some fantastic low-cost camping options.
Perfect for couples, first-time motorhome travellers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Distance: Approximately 500km return
Recommended Duration: 6-8 Days
Best Time To Travel: March to November
Motorhome Friendly: Excellent
Day 1 – Brisbane to Boonah
Distance
Approximately 90km
Leave Brisbane and enter the beautiful Scenic Rim region.
Things To Do
- Moogerah Dam
- Boonah township
- Scenic Rim Brewery
- Local cafés
- Mount French Lookout
David's Local Tip
The drive around Moogerah Dam offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and is perfect for photography.
Stay
Boonah Showgrounds
An excellent motorhome stop with plenty of space and easy access to local attractions.
Day 2 – Explore the Scenic Rim
Attractions
Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm
One of Queensland's most photographed locations.
Queen Mary Falls
A stunning waterfall with accessible walking tracks.
Lake Moogerah
Perfect for a relaxing picnic.
Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail
A wonderful opportunity to sample local produce.
Stay
Second night at Boonah Showgrounds.
Day 3 – Boonah to Toowoomba
Distance
Approximately 125km
Today you'll climb onto the Darling Downs and arrive in Queensland's famous garden city.
Things To Do
Picnic Point Lookout
Enjoy sweeping views across the Lockyer Valley.
Queens Park
One of Australia's most beautiful regional parks.
Japanese Gardens
A peaceful place to explore.
Cobb & Co Museum
An excellent family attraction.
David's Local Tip
Picnic Point is one of the best sunset locations in South East Queensland.
Stay
Toowoomba Showgrounds
Ideal for motorhomes and conveniently located.
Day 4 – Markets & Gardens of Toowoomba
Attractions
Toowoomba Farmers Market
Fresh regional produce and local food vendors.
Grand Central Precinct
Shopping and dining options.
Laurel Bank Park
Beautiful year-round gardens.
Spring Bluff Railway Station
A lovely heritage destination, especially during spring.
Chocolate Cottage
A popular stop for sweet treats.
Food & Produce
- Darling Downs produce
- Local wines
- Artisan bakeries
- Gourmet cheeses
- Farmers markets
Stay
Second night at Toowoomba Showgrounds.
Day 5 – Toowoomba to Crows Nest
Distance
Approximately 45km
A short drive north brings you to one of Queensland's most underrated destinations.
Attractions
Crows Nest National Park
Home to:
- Crows Nest Falls
- Scenic walking tracks
- Granite outcrops
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
The Palms National Park
Spectacular ancient palm forest.
Lake Perseverance
Beautiful picnic and birdwatching location.
David's Local Tip
The walk to Crows Nest Falls is suitable for most fitness levels and offers fantastic photo opportunities after rain.
Stay
Crows Nest Tourist Park
or
Crows Nest Showgrounds
Both provide excellent facilities for motorhome travellers.
Day 6 – Explore Crows Nest & High Country
Things To Do
Ravensbourne National Park
Cloud forest, lookouts and rainforest walks.
Hampton Village
A charming country village with cafés and galleries.
Highland Vineyards
Enjoy local wines and country scenery.
Murphys Creek
Beautiful countryside and heritage railway history.
David's Local Tip
Stop in Hampton for coffee and lunch. It is one of the most picturesque small villages on the range.
Stay
Second night in Crows Nest.
Day 7 – Return to Brisbane via Esk
Distance
Approximately 160km
Take the scenic route home through the Somerset region.
Suggested Stops
Lake Somerset
Perfect for a break and picnic.
Esk
Historic country town with cafés and shops.
Wivenhoe Dam Lookout
Great final photo stop before returning to Brisbane.
Recommended Campgrounds
Boonah Showgrounds
Affordable and ideal for Scenic Rim exploration.
Toowoomba Showgrounds
Excellent facilities and convenient location.
Crows Nest Showgrounds
Popular with caravanners and motorhome travellers.
Crows Nest Tourist Park
Comfortable facilities and close to town.
Lake Somerset Holiday Park
An optional extended stay destination.
Attractions Worth Extending Your Stay For
Queen Mary Falls
One of South East Queensland's most spectacular waterfalls.
Kooroomba Vineyard
Beautiful scenery and excellent dining.
Ravensbourne National Park
Fantastic rainforest walking tracks.
Highfields Pioneer Village
An interesting local history attraction near Toowoomba.
Spring Bluff
Particularly beautiful during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Hampton
A wonderful country village that's often overlooked by travellers.
Travel Tips For First-Time Motorhome Guests
- Winter is the ideal season for this route.
- Pack a warm jacket, even in spring and autumn.
- Allow extra time for scenic lookouts and country markets.
- Book ahead during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
- Visit farmers markets early for the best local produce.
Why We Love This Route
This journey showcases a side of Queensland many visitors never experience. From the mountains of the Scenic Rim to the gardens of Toowoomba and the waterfalls of Crows Nest, it offers a perfect combination of country hospitality, stunning scenery and relaxed motorhome travel.
For travellers looking to slow down, explore local communities and enjoy some of Queensland's best regional produce, this is one of our favourite road trips close to Brisbane.
David & Lisa
